Postdoc in plant systems biology for climate change resilience and disease resistance KU Leuven in United Kingdom

KU Leuven is offering a full-time postdoctoral position in plant systems biology within the Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, Belgium. The position is hosted by the labs of Prof. Devang Mehta and Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren, whose groups work in experimental plant systems biology and tropical plant biotechnology. The labs have access to cutting-edge platforms including in-house long-read sequencing and advanced proteomics mass spectrometry infrastructure, and are part of the Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics and the Leuven Plant Institute.

The postdoc will join grant-funded projects that integrate genomics and proteomics technologies across plant biology. Candidates may choose among projects aligned with their background and interests, and there is also room to develop an independent research direction within the broader themes.

One project focuses on engineering non-insecticidal solutions for plant viral diseases using nucleoprotein interaction proteomics. This work aims to uncover protein and RNA interactions involved in viral infection in sugar beet and tomato, and to identify genetic and chemical strategies for plant protection through interaction proteomics, genome editing, and chemical screening.

A second project investigates the role of the plant circadian clock in latitudinal adaptation. As climate change shifts agriculture northwards, crops must cope with shorter growing seasons and altered day-length regimes. Using directed evolution, environmental simulation systems, and multi-omics approaches, the project seeks to identify the mechanisms underlying latitudinal adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana and to contribute to breeding and engineering climate-resilient crops.

The successful candidate should hold a PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related field. Strong English communication skills, a solid publication record or thesis output, and experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry are preferred. Programming or data-analysis experience is desirable, as is an interest in applying for an independent postdoctoral fellowship with PI support.

KU Leuven offers a competitive and international research environment, close mentorship from the PIs, and access to a vibrant plant science community. The position is offered for 2 years full time, with the possibility of extension after a positive first-year evaluation. The expected start is no later than early 2027, but the start date is negotiable. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Applicants are asked not to upload additional documents beyond those requested in the application system.